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Tuesday, February 14, 2006

School Bans Saint Valentine's Day Cards with Religious Symbolism

The Texas school district Katy Independent issued a memo to parents banning students from including religious symbols in Saint Valentine's Day cards, along with other holiday cards and gifts.

Mike Johnson, Senior Legal Counsel for Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) stated "These little kids are scared about uttering any reference to their personal faith because theyÂve seen what happens to them and their classmates when they do so. Apparently, there are staff members at this school who do not understand that the Constitution prohibits government officials from showing hostility toward religion."

ADF and the Liberty Legal Institute successfully won a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the school district's decision.

Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel from Liberty Legal stated, "We are very pleased with the judge's decision to uphold the Constitution and grant the students the right to express their religious beliefs without discrimination. A TRO is a severe remedy, but unfortunately it was necessary because of the extreme violations by the district."